Institutions as Fulcrums of Change: Local Projects
Partners regularly works with specific communities around the country to identify single institutions or a range of institutions that are being underutilized, particularly in regards to the issues laid out in the Focus Areas section.  Partners will then work with these institutions to develop community engagement processes, visions and demonstration projects that will deepen ties to the surrounding communities and promote lasting change in how the institutions create and evaluate their programs.

Institutions as Fulcrums of Change: Weak Market Cities
Cities, particularly those in the mid west, have been losing population and jobs for years.  One of the key elements that is causing these cities to turn this tide around now is new leadership that doesn’t dream of the old days, but attempts to take stock of the assets available and use them to advantage.  Fresh ideas are important to these leaders attempting to reclaim deserted downtowns, empty factories and abandoned housing.  Partners is working with a number of these cities to ensure institutions like libraries and museums that are serving half the population of twenty years sgo continue to stay viable and how to mobilize them as strategic partners in short-term and long-term community agendas.